The Florida Gators have already put together a really good defensive line class but on Saturday they had several of their other top targets on campus for junior day.
Defensive end Khristian Zachary (6-3, 245, Fairburn, GA. Carrollton) was one of those guys on campus and he liked the experience on campus.
“It was awesome, I loved the academics,” Zachary said. “We saw a lot of the facilities where they have a lot of tutoring, it’s amazing to have that. I loved the coaching staff, they were amazing. We watched the basketball game, it was very competitive and we saw the culture of Florida. It was a great experience.”
Zachary met with defensive line coach David Turner and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham on Saturday and both explained to him how the Gators defense works.
“We went over some pass rush things, where I would be playing,” he said on his talks with the coaches. “We talked about the different coverages and the different schemes they would have me in. I had a one-on-one with Coach [Todd] Grantham just talking about that and the guys he has coached.”
Grantham and Turner also explained to Zachary just how the Gators would use him on defense if he chooses the Gators.
“They see me as standing up and having my hand in the ground, they really want me as a hybrid defensive end/edge rusher,” Zachary said of his talks with Grantham and Turner. “It really fits my game, I love doing that.”
While talking to the Gators coaches, they explained to Zachary how big a need he was to the class and how big of a role he could play in Florida’s defense.
“They said they lost two of their best pass rushers to the NFL and that it was a really big need for them,” he said. “They said it’s one of their biggest roles in their defense.”
This was the first time for Zachary to visit Gainesville but he walked with high praise for Florida.
“It’s definitely up there,” Zachary said of his interest in Florida. “I just love the academics, love the pass rush, I love how they see me in their defense and just makes me happy.”
Next up Zachary has a few other visits planned but he does plan to get back to Florida to see the Gators.
“I’m going to Alabama soon and also Oklahoma and Auburn,” he said on upcoming visits. “I’ll be back to Florida sooner than later, I’ll definitely be back”